We were at the park earlier. I got the kids a happy meal and we set out to find a prime viewing spot for the free air show. Traffic was very heavy and I just didn't want to deal with it, so we went to a nearby park with just an "okay" view. I'm so glad now that I didn't go hours early to get one of those aforementioned "prime" spots. My kids were much more interested in the merry-go-round than the Thunderbirds. I basically watched the show alone. Oh well.
As I was watching the air show finale, a young girl came walking across the sandbox towards me. She smiled her friendly smile and said "Hi" with a little too much enthusiasm. I looked back at her thinking maybe I should have recognized her or something. She sure seemed like she knew me. So she comes and stands beside me with her eyes also on the sky and she starts making friendly conversation. I notice the Bible she's carrying and the pamphlet peeking out of it and the dress she's wearing and l feel a little bit of dread come over me. She sees me looking at her Bible and asks if I have some time for her to share some things with me (I can't really remember how she phrased it). I paused for a moment or two and said something I have *always* wanted to say, but never ever have. I said, "No, I don't really think that's such a good idea." She looked shocked and taken aback (probably because I look so nice and sweet, right??) and she asked if there was a reason. I very matter-of-factly told her that I am a Christian and that I believe the Bible is God's word to us, but I've had plenty of conversations like these (she was Jehovah's witness) and they're always very awkward and end up going nowhere because neither of us is planning to change what we each firmly believe. And surprisingly, she backed away very graciously.
And she didn't seek out anyone else in the park either. In fact, just a few minutes later, she and her posse were nowhere to be seen.
I'm thankful that I finally had the guts to say what I really felt. I've been stepping out in this area more and more lately and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the freedom it brings. It's a very good feeling.
**Feeling empowered by my new-found courage and ability to speak my mind and get the desired result, I spoke with the mama of the pesky neighbor-girl who keeps calling my house at 8:45 each morning. I told her that she absolutely cannot call us before 10am. I'll let ya know how that one goes, but I'm hopeful.
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1 comment:
Good for you, Mer. Getting "older" has it's benefits...one of which is being comfortable enough in your own skin to do and say what is right and true for YOU!
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